Tourism News

TAKE A HOLIDAY CRUISE DOWN THE MURRAY

Planning your next holiday? Then why not consider a houseboat cruise along South Australia’s iconic River Murray.

Tourism Minister Jane Lomax-Smith and River Murray Minister Karlene Maywald, who were recently in the Riverland for Community Cabinet, are promoting riverboat holidays to South Australians.

Minister Maywald said houseboat operators had experienced a decline in bookings because people were mistakenly thinking that dry conditions meant river levels were too low for houseboats.

“While there has been record low inflows to the River Murray because of widespread drought, there is still plenty of water to cruise the full length of the river,” she said.

“The drought will have a significant impact on the economies of our regional communities so regional tourism is a great way for all South Australians to show their support, and have a great holiday at the same time.”

Dr Lomax-Smith says the river is an absolute picture and, with the weather warming up, it’s a great time for a houseboat holiday.

“There is nothing better than meandering along the river and witnessing some of the natural wonders that make the Murray so special,” she said

“River bends with sandy edges, towering cliffs, pelicans gliding on the water and koalas adorning majestic gums are just some of the unforgettable sights of the river.

“If you’re after a little more action, then waterskiing, fishing, boating and canoeing are among the many fun river activities.

“And there’s some great Riverland holiday specials available right now for holidays up until 15 December 2006, through our Brilliant Bargains campaign.”

Minister Lomax-Smith says South Australia boasts some of the best houseboats in the country. She says houseboats are equipped with everything required for an ultra special holiday.

“They truly are a home away from home, with everything from bedrooms, bathrooms and fully-equipped kitchens, to televisions, air conditioning, barbecues and sun decks,” she said.

“Boats come in a range of shapes and sizes, from four-berth basic vessels to those that have all the bells and whistles and can sleep large numbers of people, often with separate ensuite facilities.

“A driver’s license is all you need to drive a houseboat so if you’re looking for a memorable and relaxing holiday then a houseboat holiday might be for you.”

For more details about houseboat holidays and to book Brilliant Bargains holidays visit www.southaustralia.com or call the SA Visitor and Travel Centre on 1300 655 215.


For more information call Julia Angove on 08 8463 4610  

NEW LOOK LIMESTONE COAST VISITOR GUIDE AND WEBSITE

Stuart will lead the world-class CSC team, currently ranked number one in the world and the first confirmed team for next year’s Tour Down Under.

Tourism Minister Jane Lomax-Smith has launched a new visitor guide and website for the Limestone Coast, the region ranked third in Australia for visitor expenditure growth by a recent survey.

Minister Lomax-Smith, who launched the guide and website at the Naracoorte World Heritage Fossil Site last month, says the Limestone Coast is an important South Australian tourism region, with one of the State’s highest levels of interstate visitation outside Adelaide.

“The Limestone Coast acts as the gateway to South Australia from the important eastern states, and a Tourism Australia Assessment of Domestic Tourism Report recently ranked the region third in the nation for tourism spending growth in the six-year period between 1999 and 2005 – a fantastic result for the local economy,” Minister Lomax-Smith says.

“With its fresh new look and the inclusion of a dedicated world heritage page, a six-page food and wine section, and road safety maps and messages, the 2007 Limestone Coast Regional Visitor Guide is the perfect introduction to the region.

“This guide is the first of the State’s regional guides to adopt the style of the new State brand: South Australia. A brilliant blend.

“Unique to the Limestone Coast, the guide also includes a year-round fuel discount offer of four cents per litre, which is a great incentive for consumers to use the guide.”

In addition to the fantastic new regional guide, Limestone Coast Tourism has revamped its website, which is another way the region is promoting itself to a wider audience.

The new site will include a range of features, including an interactive mapping service, additional links to organisations in the region, and updated information on tide times and tour times to allow consumers to get the most out of their online experience.

This online service will allow users to search destination information, travel information, and book accommodation via the Connect SA link, while the new interactive map will allow viewers to click on specific towns and engage in a virtual tour of the region.

“Research shows that more and more consumers are looking for travel information and booking holidays online, and our new website is the perfect tool to capitalise on this trend,” Minister Lomax-Smith says.

“In the 12 months ending March 2006, more than 500,000 domestic visitors and approximately 35,000 international visitors travelled to the Limestone Coast.”

The new visitor guide will be available free through Visitor Information Centres, South Australian Tourism Commission Travel Centre and local tourism operators. Visit the new Limestone Coast website at www.thelimestonecoast.com.


For more information please call Peter Abbot on 08 8723 1644


SA GEARS UP FOR ASHES FEVER

South Australia’s tourism industry will be the winner when Adelaide hosts the Second Ashes Test Match, starting today.

Tourism Minister Jane Lomax-Smith says up to 4000 visitors – many of them international – are expected at Adelaide Oval for each day of the cricket match between Australia and England, and the State Government is working to make the most of this influx of cricket fans.

“This is a great opportunity for Adelaide and South Australia to showcase itself to visitors from our number one international market – the UK, and we’re stepping up our marketing efforts to encourage cricket fans to stay on after the match and experience some of our State’s brilliant attractions and holiday destinations,” Minister Lomax-Smith says.

“The Advertiser has already started to assist in welcoming UK visitors to Adelaide over the course of the week of the Adelaide Ashes Test, featuring offers and ideas for South Australian day trips and attractions to encourage partners and those not attending the cricket everyday to explore the State’s regions.

The State Government also started a seven-day advertising campaign last Wednesday in The Advertiser’s London Calling insert to promote 21 special local tourism offers.

“We have also been working with Channel Nine to ensure that its television broadcast of the cricket includes footage and commentary about Adelaide’s brilliant blend of landmarks and attractions.

“The Ashes series will run until 5 December, and will be one of the most important and highly anticipated cricket events in the world this year. Since England’s win in 2005, this year’s series has become even more important.

“Hosting one of the matches in Adelaide is a huge coup for the State, and we’re expecting the Ashes to attract a large number of international visitors staying in the State for up to two weeks. This is a much longer length of stay than the Adelaide Rugby World Cup 2003 visitors.

“The Rugby World Cup injected more than $8 million into South Australia’s economy, and the Ashes should have an even greater economic benefit, generating business in our shops, restaurants, pubs and places to stay.”


For more information call Julia Angove on 08 8463 4610.



STELLAR 2007 ADELAIDE FESTIVAL CENTRE PROGRAM

The Adelaide Festival Centre has reclaimed its rightful place as South Australia’s creative heart with a packed program of theatre, dance and music launched by Premier Mike Rann.

The Festival Centre has developed three exclusive year-long seasons for 2007, where audiences can choose from a selection of international performances to create their own performing arts package.

The South Australian Premier Mike Rann commended the Adelaide Festival Centre team for their vision in implementing this year-long festival of exciting events.

“An iconic arts and tourism entity and enterprise such as the Festival Centre reflects the heart of a thriving city and state – a powerhouse for arts and tourism,” Mr Rann said.

“We’re backing that vision with $700,000 for new festivals this year, including the new Adelaide International Guitar Festival, and spending $8 million to refurbish the Dunstan Playhouse and other facilities as part of the revitalisation of the Festival Centre as the heart of South Australia’s arts industry and culture.”

Adelaide Festival Centre CEO and Artistic Director, Douglas Gautier, said the future is looking good for the Adelaide Festival Centre.

“Our vision for the future is bold and exciting, and aims to double and sustain our audiences over the next five years,” Mr Gautier said.

The inaugural season of CentreStage: a premier selection of international performance, will present five performances from a selection of internationally renowned companies in 2007, including; A Midsummer Night’s Dream by Yohangza Theatre Company from Korea; Krishnan’s Dairy by Indian Ink from New Zealand; Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks starring Todd McKenney and Nancye Hayes, and Sizwe Banzi is Dead, under the masterful direction of Peter Brook :

Its first season of Pivot(al): the world’s best dance, incorporating both contemporary dance and traditional favourites, from a selection of internationally-acclaimed companies including Australia’s best-known names, such as; Cursive by Cloud Gate Dance Theatre of Taiwan; Reckless Valourby Quantum Leap, in collaboration with Come Out Youth Arts Festival and the Australian War Memorial; Devolution by the Australian Dance Theatre; Wanderlust by Leigh Warren and Dancers; The Nutcracker by the Australian Ballet; and Grand by Sydney Dance Company:

The festive and holiday season at the Festival Centre will also offer plenty for locals and visitors, with performances including: Christmas Proms in the Festival Theatre, Pirates of Penzance, Menopause The Musical Mary Poppins, Patch Theatre’s Pigs, Bear and Billy Goats Gruff; and the Sundays at the Festival Centre program of markets, music and food, commencing every Sunday from 10am – 4pm.


For more information please call Penny Griggs 08 8216 8699 or 0401 307 477.


SEA SA ANNOUNCES FERRY LAUNCH DATE

Sea SA’s car and passenger ferry service linking the Eyre and Yorke Peninsulas will commence limited services on Friday, 8 December, and will officially operate full services on 18 December 2006.

The much-anticipated ferry service will save visitors around 350 kilometres, or four hours, of driving.

Crossing between Wallaroo on the Yorke Peninsula and Lucky Bay (near Cowell) on the Eyre Peninsula, and using the interim vessel “Seaway”, the new ferry service will take just under two hours each way to complete the journey.

“Seaway” will operate the service until the end of February 2007. This 47-metre catamaran offers onboard comfort, with features including full length viewing windows in the upstairs area offering 360 degree uninterrupted views of the Spencer Gulf, a café offering hot and cold food and drinks, a kids’ play zone, and TV lounge area.

“Seaway” will then be replaced by the purpose built, luxury vessel "Sea Scape", a 49-metre ropax drive-through catamaran designed by Sea Transport Solutions in Queensland. “Sea Scape” has much larger capacity and will complete a one way crossing in 100 minutes.

As well as the ferry service, Sea SA will also be offering a range of holiday packages including accommodation, adventure tours, cruise/drive and fly/cruise/drive tours.

In the new year, as an enhancement to the ferry service, Sea SA will also be offering a range of holiday packages including accommodation, adventure tours, cruise/drive and fly/cruise/drive tours. These packages incorporate products from all towns and businesses around both sides of the Spencer Gulf, as well as destinations right through to Port Augusta at the top.

Sea SA spokesperson Stephanie Dawson says the new ferry service will enhance business and tourism opportunities for both the Yorke and Eyre Peninsula communities.

“We want to enhance what the beautiful regions of the Eyre and Yorke Peninsulas have to offer, especially to people from Adelaide who have perhaps not had the chance to experience these areas previously, as they've been perceived as being too far away," Ms Dawson says.


For more information call Stephanie Dawson on 07 5529 5577 or 0411 510 044.

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